Get frying Start with the pan you own. Add a tool when it solves a problem you actually have: uneven heat, uncertain doneness, trapped steam or awkward handling.
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A heavy, stable pan for shallow frying and crisp edges. Lodge lists this skillet as model L8SK3. Its cooking surface is smaller than the rim, so check whether it fits the batches you cook. Cast iron is heavy and its handle gets hot.
View this Lodge skillet on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Use an instant read probe to check the center of chicken, fish and other food. The TP19H listing identifies a folding probe and backlit display. For deep frying oil, use a separate thermometer designed to stay clipped to the pot.
View this TempPro thermometer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)A rack above a rimmed pan gives steam somewhere to escape while fried food drains. Nordic Ware lists a matching half sheet and multipurpose rack set. Measure your oven and storage space before choosing a half sheet.
Product link pending reviewLong tongs help turn cutlets and move food with your hands farther from the pan. The listed OXO model has stainless steel tips; match the tip material to your cookware and dry the tongs before they touch hot oil.
View these OXO tongs on Amazon (opens in a new tab)This paddle thermometer clips to a pot so you can follow the oil through each batch. Taylor lists the 5983N for candy and deep frying. Keep its sensing area in the oil without touching the pot base, and use an oven mitt to handle it after cooking.
Product link pending reviewA wire skimmer lifts battered pieces from oil while letting excess oil drain back into the pot. OXO lists a long angled handle and open basket. Keep the handle dry and choose a basket small enough to move through your pot without catching its sides.
View this OXO skimmer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)An air fryer is a small convection oven, so the numbers that matter are basket size, which decides how much fits in one layer, and maximum temperature, which decides which settings on the air fryer chart you can use. Capacity and range below are as each manufacturer states them. We have not tested these models.
The smallest of the three. Amazon’s listing identifies model AF101 with a 4-quart basket and a 105–400°F range; Ninja’s quick start guide for the AF101 says to preheat for 3 minutes. At 400°F it covers most of the chart, but not the okra or tostones settings.
View this Ninja air fryer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)COSORI lists the Pro LE as model CAF-L501-KUS, with a 5.0-quart basket and a 170–450°F range in its manual, which takes in every setting on our chart. The same manual says to shake or flip food halfway and to use no more than 2 tablespoons of oil.
View this COSORI air fryer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Instant lists the stainless Vortex Plus 6QT with a 6-quart basket and an air-fry setting up to 400°F. Its manual says to cook in a single layer and fill the basket no more than three-quarters full. Instant sells other Vortex versions, so confirm the listing matches before buying.
View this Instant air fryer on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Planning your first batch? Read the frying fundamentals and set up a safer frying station before the oil heats. Torn between appliances? Air fryer vs deep fryer vs pan.